Whether you rodeo or love recreational riding, there are things to consider before you buy a horse that can make a significant difference to your success as a horse owner.
Reasons To Buy a Horse
Why do you want to buy a horse? It’s one thing if you’re buying a horse for barrel racing, roping, or reining competitions, and it’s another if you’re looking to keep a horse for recreational riding. If you’re buying a horse for competitions, you’ll need to thoroughly check out its pedigree, competitive history, and training, along with its current fitness and health. Recreational riders should be no less conscientious in examining a horse’s fitness, health history, and test results.
Ongoing Costs
Prospective horse owners should be aware of the ongoing costs associated with keeping a horse, including vet services, boarding, feed, and waste removal. Additionally, they should not overlook expenses for tack and supplies, transportation, and regular maintenance.
Documentation
Ensure all necessary documentation is in order before finalizing the purchase. Review the health records, proof of ownership transfer, and, if you’re buying a purebred, registration papers. Proper documentation is essential for verifying the horse’s history and health status.
Horse Temperament, Gender, and Age
Consider the temperament, gender, and age of the horse. These factors significantly affect the horse’s behavior and compatibility with the owner. A calm, well-trained horse is preferable for beginners, while more experienced riders may seek a horse with specific traits for competitions or breeding.
Vet Services
Regular vet check-ups are crucial for maintaining the horse’s health. Familiarize yourself with nearby veterinary services that specialize in equine care. Make sure you’ll have veterinary services available near where you’ll keep your horse. Ensure you are prepared for both routine medical care and emergency situations.
Boarding, Feed, and Waste Removal
If you cannot accommodate a horse on your property, research local boarding options. Understand the costs and services provided, including feed and waste management, to ensure they meet your standards and budget.
Tack and Supplies
Acquiring the right tack and supplies, such as saddles, bridles, grooming tools, and protective gear, is vital for both the horse’s comfort and the rider’s safety. Prioritize quality and suitability over price.
- Horse Gifts for Girls Women Premium Materials: Our Modern Classic Barn Hair Don't Care Ponytail Hat Soothes in 100% Cotton Comfort While Maintaining Proper Balance for Those Who Enjoy a Natural...
- Horse Accessories Hat Adjustable: Barn Hair Don't Care Baseball Hat Circumference : 21.65-23.22 inches (55-59cm); Hat Brim : 2.75 inches (7cm); Hat Height : 3.54 inches (9cm). Baseball Cap Women Use...
- Great Gift for Horse Lover: Gift Idea for Horse Women Equestrian Rider Horseback Riding Lover Theme Birthday Party Christmas Holiday Mother's Day Present for Horse Lovers Riding Instructor Trainer...
- Horse Lovers Gifts for Women : Funny “Barn Hair Don't Care” Logo, and a Soft Feel Bring Both Fashion and Comfort to Your Day. Funny Animal Dad Baseball Hat Pre-curved Visor, Protect Your Skin from...
- 6 Panels and 6 Ventilation Holes Comfortable & Breathable: Just A Girl Who Loves Horses Washed Hat with Cotton Sweatband is Engineered to Absorb Sweat and Wick Moisture, and Fit the Head Circumference...
- WORLD’S #1 PATENTED HORSE SHEDDING TOOL: SleekEZ's horse brushes for grooming are the perfect horse deshedding tool for your horse supplies. It is an essential horse comb / cattle brush for all pet...
- EASY AND FAST CLEANUP: SleekEZ's de shedding brush / livestock brush also work great as a carpet rake for cars, couches, blankets, beds, and more! Its innovative design ensures that hair is easily...
- PAINLESS AND ENJOYABLE: SleekEZ helps grab at the tips of the hair to extract from the skin without painful tugging. Works as a cow scratcher, shedding blade for horses, goat brushes for grooming, and...
- ALL ANIMAL TYPES: Works as a livestock scratching brush, horse grooming brushes, large dog brush for shedding, curry brush, cow brush, horse shedding blade & goat scratcher. It is an absolute...
- GREAT GIFT: A must have for horse grooming tools, grooming kit for horses, horse care, & horsehair brush. Give as a gift for horse accessories for real horses, horse tack supplies, curry comb for...
- 【Necklace Meaning】This lucky horseshoe will invite good fortune into your life. Wear your necklace as a reminder that the more you believe, the luckier youll be.
- 【Inspirational Message Card】 Start with a good quality greeting card to show that you value your lover, family, best friend and more. We hope everyone get the best wishes and the sincere words...
- 【Size】Chain length 16.5in +1.9in and fashion necklace for women jewelry. Match with suitable apparel for different occasion.
- 【PERFECT GIFT IDEA】Packaged with a love heart envelop, horseshoe necklace as a sweet little accessory gift to get for your lover, family, best friend and more.
- Usually given for anniversary, for her birthday, Valentines, Christmas, Thanksgiving Day and more.
- Quiet Ride with Ears
- Rated #1 for comfort and fit.
- The sheer mesh gives your horse a clear line of vision and not impair his sight on the trail.
- Use for trail riding
- Easily and quickly attaches over the bridle
- ♞【Package contains】You will get a set of professional horse grooming set,Face Brush,Mane and Tail Brush,Grooming Sponge,Dandy Brush,soft finishing brush,Curry Comb,Steel Comb,Hoof Pick with...
- ♞【long-lasting and durable】Horse Brushes Set each product is made of high-quality plastic, silica gel and nylon, which is firm and durable.
- ♞【Portable horse grooming tote】horse grooming tote bag keep your horse supplies and accessories in the horse tack room ,horse tack box or anywhere, and the high-end and atmospheric appearance...
- ♞【Perfect gift】High-end horse care set for horse groomer，equestrian enthusiasts, horse friends, riders, stable owners, adults ,women,girl,children and horse stuff for real horses.
- ♞【professional service】If you have any questions with horse tack and supplies, please contact us in time, we will be happy to solve you, to your satisfaction
- Comes in Pack of 2: the package includes 2 horse trailer accessories, allowing you to double the convenience and efficiency, hang them on different locations on your trailer or stall for easy access...
- Quality Material and Construction: made of 600D polyester, this bucket holder ensures durability and reliability, the 600D polyester construction makes this holder bag resistant to wear and tear,...
- Versatile and Convenient Use: this horse trailer organizer provides a convenient water source for horses, with its size ideal for a standard about 5 gallon water bucket, it makes for a convenient and...
- Standard Size Compatibility: measuring approximately 11.81 inches in bottom diameter, 23.62 inches in pocket diameter, and about 39.37 inches in length, the water holder fits standard about 5 gallon...
- Thoughtful Design: designed to provide convenience and efficiency, this 5 gallon bucket holder won't scratch your trailer, offering protection alongside its main function, the bag is designed to hang...
- GREAT TASTE GUARANTEED – If your horse does not find our Bite-Size Nuggets irresistible we will refund your purchase.
- GREAT VALUE – Over 300 horse treats per bag!
- PACKED WITH VITAMINS AND MINERALS – Packed with vitamins and minerals in each treat.
- POCKET SIZED HORSE TREATS – Small size is great for rewarding and training!
- PEPPERMINT FLAVORED TRAINING TREATS – No horse can resist yummy peppermint flavor!
- Premium Natural Himalayan Salt Lick: Sourced from the Himalayan Mountains, our 100% natural salt lick contains 84 trace minerals in this natural rock. With no preservatives or additives, it provides a...
- Essential Mineral Supplies: These Himalayan salt blocks contain up to 84 trace minerals, including vital nutrients like Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, and Iron. These mineral supplies are essential...
- Versatile Treat for Various Animals: Our Himalayan salt lick is a natural and nutritious treat that animals love. It serves as a beneficial treat for horses, deer, goats, cows, donkeys, cats, dogs,...
- Adjustable Rope for Perfect Height & Lasting Durability: Our Salt on a Rope features a sturdy and long rope, providing optimal positioning and exceptional durability that outlasts nylon or cotton...
- Versatile and Enjoyable Toy: Our salt lick provides hours of entertainment and enrichment for horses, deer, goats, cows, all other livestock, cats, and dogs. It serves as a great toy that keeps your...
- Quality Material: crafted from solid steel mounting plates, this cross tie ring for horses ensures durability and long lasting use; Constructed with a black coated finish, the edge of the board is...
- Package Includes: you will receive 2 pieces of horseshoe cross tie ring for horse stable and 8 expansion screws, designed in horseshoe style that will seamlessly blend in and add rustic charm to your...
- Easy Install: this pack comes with 2 cross tie ring and matching screws; Each cross tie ring measures approx. 3 x 3 inches, moderate sizes make them easy to install; You just need to install screws...
- Farm Applications: these hitching rings for horses are ideal for a tie off for a horse while we brush her and trim her tail and mane, suitable for hanging buckets, hay nets and more, which can also be...
- Versatile Functionality: this stylish yet functional horseshoe cross tie ring has versatile applications; Nice for farm use, it's designed to provide a secure, strong tie point that is crucial in...
- Practical Combination: there are 6 pieces of bridle hooks in a package; Each hook is delivered with 3 expansion tubes and 3 screws, the combination is intimate, and the quantity is sufficient to meet...
- Storage Assistant: horse bridle rack can effectively help you store messy reins or accessories, etc., so that your space is kept tidy, and you no longer have to worry about clutter and disorder
- Durable and Sturdy: made of quality metal, horse bridle bracket is strong in bearing capacity, not easy to bend or deform; The surface is sprayed with an anti rust coating, which gives it a beautiful...
- Wide Scenarios: featuring a simplified design, bridle holder can be widely adapted to various decorative styles, not only suitable for stables, but also suitable for garages, barns, entryways, utility...
- Gifts for Horse Lovers: tack hooks for horses are ideal for safely storing your beloved reins, and can also be applied to hang clothes, necklaces and more, nice storage and a novel gift for horse...
Transportation
Transportation is an aspect of horse ownership many overlook. Whether for moving the horse to different locations or attending competitions, having access to or arranging suitable transport is essential.
If you love trail rides, be sure to check whether your destination allows you to bring your horse in and park your trailer and what the rules are for trail riding where you’re going. For example, Big Bend National Park in south Texas is great for camping as a horse owner because it allows horses on its gravel roads and in limited areas in the Chisos mountains. However, you could not bring your horse on pavement in that park.
Taking a “Test Ride”
Taking a “test ride” can provide valuable insight into the horse’s behavior, gait, and compatibility with the rider. It’s an opportunity to assess firsthand whether the horse meets your expectations and requirements.
Thoroughly examining these considerations before you buy a horse ensures that you are well-prepared for the responsibilities and joys of horse ownership. Doing so will help establish a rewarding relationship between you and your horse, grounded in mutual respect and understanding.
